Wilderness Podcast
Wilderness Podcast
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Wilderness Podcast's mission is to spread contextual awareness surrounding wilderness issues and ideals by helping to facilitate a more in-depth appreciation through long form interviews with subject area experts. Wilderness Podcast is a conservation-based passion project.
Available episodes
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Jan 15, 2023
Capitalism's Grip on the Wilderness Movement | Dr. Joseph Scalia III | Gallatin Yellowstone Wilderness Alliance | Ep. 053
In this episode, I interview Dr. Joseph Scalia III, practicing psychoanalyst in Livingston, Montana and frequent guest of the program. Dr. Scalia is a board member with the Gallatin Yellowstone Wilderness Alliance and long-time wilderness activist in Southwest Montana.
*Topics we cover: *Societal change as an important component of the wilderness movement, Joe’s career as a psychoanalyst, the perversion of truth, Felix Guattari’s The Three Ecologies, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) shortcoming, the dark obscene underbelly of public lands politics and recreation, neoliberalism and how it drives mainstream conservation, psychological symptomology of capitalism, treating society as the patient, mechanisms of societal change, what drives the Big Greens, confronting painful truths and the unwillingness of many in the grassroots environmental movement to confront reality and advocate for radical change. Support the show
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Dec 17, 2022
Is Wilderness Still Relevant? | Erik Molvar | Western Watersheds Project | Ep. 052
In this episode, I speak with Erik Molvar, executive director of Western Watersheds Project. We discuss his guidebook writing, the state of our public lands system, the work of Western Watersheds Project, the influence of domestic livestock on Wilderness and public lands, attitudes and historical context of wilderness, Native American omission from the Wilderness Act, the relevancy and importance of the wilderness designation, how to manage public lands for the benefit of ecosystems and the human, collaborative conservation and challenging the dominant culture of colonialism and dominion over nature. Support the show
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Apr 10, 2021
Hundreds of New National Parks | Michael Kellett | Restore the North Woods | Wilderness 30x30 | Ep. 051
In this episode, I interview Michael Kellett, Executive Director of Restore the North Woods, a non-profit environmental group working in Maine with the mission of creating a new national park near Mount Katahdin. We talk about his early years, his time spent working for The Wilderness Society on the east coast, the founding and vision of Restore, the story about the creation of the first national monument in Maine, the history and culture of New England landscapes and its working forests (i.e. logging), a vision for hundreds of new national parks across the country and how new national parks and wilderness areas should fit within the 30x30 Campaign. Support the show
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Mar 28, 2021
Oregon's Wilderness Deficit | Erik Fernandez | Oregon Wild | Wilderness 30x30 | Ep. 050
Wilderness 30x30 | A Wilderness Podcast miniseries
In this episode, I interview Erik Fernandez, Wilderness Program Manager with Oregon Wild. We talk about his position at Oregon Wild, the green fallacy that is the state of Oregon, the state’s dwindling roadless areas and high road density, Oregon’s lack of political champions for wilderness, the outsized influence extractive industries have in the state, the need for bold legislative protections to make up for lost ground, recent anti-wilderness attacks in Washington DC, all about the various ecosystems throughout the state, Erik’s thoughts about 30x30, the pros and cons of different federal land designations, both the positives and shortcomings of the newly proposed Oregon Wild and Scenic Rivers Legislation, the frustrations and inaccuracies around labeling environmentalists as extremists and the wilderness proposals that Oregon Wild is working on across the state.
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Mar 14, 2021
Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act (NREPA) | Mike Garrity | Alliance for the Wild Rockies | Wilderness 30x30 | Ep. 049
Wilderness 30x30 | A Wilderness Podcast miniseries
In this episode, I speak with Mike Garrity, Executive Director of the Alliance for the Wild Rockies. We talk about the history of the Alliance, the work they are involved with, how the Alliance has sued the FS more than any other group in the country, all about the Northern Rockies Ecosystem Protection Act (NREPA), protecting entire ecosystems over state-centric wilderness bills, protecting endangered species as a means of securing future wilderness, proposed landscape restoration work under NREPA, livestock grazing buyout provisions, Native American considerations, prominent supporters of NREPA, the economic benefits of the Bill, progress in Congress, thinking big and considering seemingly inconceivable political changes in this country as a beacon of hope for the Northern Rockies and beyond.
https://allianceforthewildrockies.org/Support the show
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Mar 7, 2021
America's Red Rock Wilderness Act | Terri Martin | SUWA | Wilderness 30x30 | Ep. 048
Wilderness 30x30 | A Wilderness Podcast miniseries
In this episode, I speak with Terri Martin, Intermountain West Organizer with the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance (SUWA). We talk about the founding of SUWA, how they have been successful in an anti-wilderness and anti-federal lands environment, local control efforts undermining the public trust, new wilderness as part of the 30x30 campaign, Native American reception to wilderness in Utah, Bears Ears as a catalyst for 30x30, America’s Red Rock Wilderness Act, the spine of the continent, the importance of landscape connectivity, climate mitigation and refugia, SUWA’s monthly podcast and the measurable impacts that activism has on making a difference on the groundSupport the show
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Feb 25, 2021
Idaho Wilderness Stewardship | Sally Ferguson | SBFC | Ep. 047
In this episode, I speak with Sally Ferguson, Executive Director of the Selway-Bitterroot Frank Church Foundation (SBFC). We talk about her background, the mission of the SBFC, central Idaho wilderness areas, how Idahoan’s value wilderness, creating advocates by virtue of deep wilderness experiences, how SBFC works with the Forest Service, noise pollution from small engine aircraft in Idaho wilderness areas, SBFC’s trails and stewardship programs and summer volunteer opportunities in the backcountry. Support the show
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Feb 10, 2021
Climate Disruption | Dahr Jamail | The End of Ice | Ep. 046
In this episode, I interview Dahr Jamail, author of The End of Ice: Bearing Witness and Finding Meaning in the Path of Climate Disruption. We talk about Dahr’s life as an investigative journalist, his introduction to the climate crisis through his reporting, climate as the biggest story of all time, his book The End of Ice, coming to grips with our bleak climate reality, how quickly the climate is changing, having difficult conversations about climate disruption, personal rights versus obligations to the planet and future generations, transitioning from an industrial civilization to something new and creating a life of meaning through service to others and all species on Earth. Support the show
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Jan 18, 2021
Roadless Rules! | Gary Macfarlane & Katie Bilodeau | Friends of the Clearwater | Ep. 045
In this episode, I speak with Gary Macfarlane, Ecosystems Defense Director and Katie Bilodeau, Staff Attorney with the Friends of the Clearwater in Idaho. We talk all about roadless areas, their history, RARE I, RARE II (Roadless Area Review and Evaluation), fractures in the wilderness community over RARE II, the National Forest Policy Act, the influence of industry on roadless areas, the nitty gritty of the Clinton 2001 Roadless Rule, state specific roadless rules, loopholes in the Roadless Rule, all about the new Friends of the Clearwater Roadless Report for Idaho and Montana, duplicity in the Forest Service on what constitutes protections, out of control and accelerating timber extraction and why we must begin taking roadless lands protection seriously.Support the show
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Dec 27, 2020
Wilderness Compositions | Stephen Wood | Stephen Wood Music | Ep. 044
In this episode I interview Stephen Wood, a self-described “Wilderness Composer”. We talk about his childhood, what it means to be a wilderness composer, translating his wilderness experiences into music, his time spent in Montana writing compositions and his many residencies across the country. Stephen plays parts of his compositions for us inspired by his visits to the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge in George and the Siuslaw National Forest in Oregon and walks us through what he was feeling when writing his pieces. We also discuss appreciating wilderness and drawing upon our wilderness experiences throughout our lives.
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Dec 1, 2020
Mountain Bikes, Wreckreation & Wilderness | Christopher Ketcham | Ep. 043
In this episode I speak with Christopher Ketcham, author of This Land: How Cowboys, Capitalism and Corruption are Ruining the American West. We talk about Senate Bill 1695 which would amend the Wilderness Act to allow for mechanized recreation (mountain bikes) in designated Wilderness, the recreation industry's grip on self-professed environmental groups, the Wilderness Act and the ban on mechanization, impacts of mountain biking and other recreation on wildlife populations, allowing mountain bikes in Wilderness as a slippery slope, recreation capitalism, recreation as a distraction and cultural pacifier and fighting for wilderness values.
This Land: How Cowboys, Capitalism & Corruption are Ruining the American WestSupport the show
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Nov 22, 2020
Conservation Through Filmmaking | James Brundige | First Light Films | Ep. 042
In this episode, I speak with James Brundige, an accomplished conservation and environmental filmmaker. We discuss the California and Oregon wildfires, the interconnectedness of the climate and biodiversity crisis, the impacts of climate change across the globe, about his life as a conservation filmmaker working for National Geographic, NOVA, PBS and others, film as the ultimate art form, his early years as a filmmaker, working with Robert Redford and his film Forever Wild, his important film Wildways, Nature Needs Half, The Club of Rome and The Global Safety Net among other topics.Support the show
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Oct 31, 2020
Gray Wolf Delisting | Amaroq Weiss | Center for Biological Diversity | Ep. 041
Breaking News! On October 29th, the gray wolf lost protection under the Endangered Species Act. In this episode, I speak with Amaroq Weiss, Senior West Coast Wolf Advocate with the Center for Biological Diversity about this news and more. We talk about the history of delisting, the assault on the underlying science, public opinion towards wolves, cultural attitudes, mass wildlife killing programs sponsored by the federal government, regional recovery status, state wildlife agency attitudes, emotionally connecting with wolves, next steps in the courts, Amaroq’s background and all about the Center for Biological Diversity.
biodiv.us/wolves
https://www.biologicaldiversity.org/Support the show
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Oct 21, 2020
An Activist's Life | Phil Knight | Montanans for Gallatin Wilderness | Ep. 040
In this episode, I interview Phil Knight, a long-time wilderness and wildlands activist in Montana. We discuss Phil’s guiding in Yellowstone, recently watching wolves kill a Bison, the accelerating destruction of wild nature, the fallacies of forest health initiatives, promoting forest resiliency, Phil’s early years, his activist history, his time with Earth First!, his early frustrations learning about how the government was managing public lands, the timber wars and locking his neck to a loading machine, Cove Mallard in Idaho, the evolution of activism, what Phil is up to today, his project to climb all the high points in Greater Yellowstone which he just recently completed, his hopes for the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the insane influx of recreationists on public lands this summer and the inordinate influence of mountain bikers on forest planning policy.Support the show
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Oct 5, 2020
On Conservation Pathology | Joseph Scalia | Gallatin Yellowstone Wilderness Alliance | Ep. 039
In this episode, I speak with Joseph Scalia, president of the Gallatin Yellowstone Wilderness Alliance in Bozeman, Montana. Joe is a practicing psychoanalyst in Livingston and brings a unique perspective to the wilderness movement through his vocation. We talk about the climate, ecological and biodiversity crisis on earth, group psychosis and pathological thought processes, how the Big Greens use propaganda to further their agenda, corporatization of the Big Greens, society’s death drive to “have fun”, misrepresentation of Montanan’s desires to protect Wilderness Study Areas, Joe’s time as president of the Montana Wilderness Association, his awakening and realization that he was participating in a destructive system, how to change hearts and minds within captured conservation groups, the social fallout from leaving the pack and the spiritual gains of speaking the truth and seeking higher purpose. Support the show
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Aug 29, 2020
Public Lands Grazing: Death & Destruction | Jon Marvel | Western Watersheds Project | Ep. 038
In this episode, I speak with Jon Marvel, public lands activist and the founder of Western Watersheds Project. We talk about his background, his first experiences on public lands in Idaho, what public lands mean to him, looking at ecosystems with fresh eyes, the vast destruction from intensive livestock grazing on public lands, a vision for public lands without the cows, multiple use mandates, the Bundy clan, the contentious founding of the Idaho Watersheds Project (pre Western Watersheds Project), buying grazing leases for conservation purposes, why some conservation groups don’t address the issue of public lands grazing, reflecting back on his time with Western Watersheds, legislative buyout programs, grazing as the most ubiquitous use of public lands and the reasons why grazing destroys ecosystems. Support the show
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Aug 2, 2020
A Conversation with Derrick Jensen | Derrick Jensen | Deep Green Resistance | Ep. 037
In this episode, I am honored to speak with Derrick Jensen. Derrick is a long time environmental activist, writer and philosopher. He has authored dozens of books and essays and is known in the environmental and conservation movement as one of the great movers and shakers of our time. Derrick challenges us to see the bigger picture, question authority and seek new ways of living with ourselves and the planet. We talk about Derrick’s background, his history as an activist, the gaps he discovered in the environmental discourse, our cultural hate of nature, the epistemology of science, how we perceive the natural world, reverting to hunter gatherer societies, the fact that we are in overshoot, the fundamental roles of natural communities, the problem with agriculture, the troubles with talk of sustainability without addressing psychopathy and power, the responsibility of participating in the predator pray relationship, Jevons Paradox, the ridiculous notion that renewable energy will sav…
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Jul 19, 2020
Predators, Big Greens and the Grassroots | George Wuerthner | Public Lands Media | Ep. 036
In this episode, I speak with George Wuerthner, wilderness activist and wildlands ecologist. George is a frequent guest of the program and a prolific writer and advocate for the wild. He has authored more than 38 books on public lands issues and conservation. We talk about predator hunting and the associated ecological and social fallout, wolf hunting exacerbating cattle grazing conflicts, Aldo Leopold and the wolf as told in his Sand County Almanac, changing the direction and missions of state fish and wildlife agencies, taking on “the old boy”hunting network, predator management and our value systems.
We then pivot the conversation and talk about how some conservation groups have kept their mission intact after experiencing changes and growth, groups that have lost their way (and some reasons why), how to help ensure that grassroots groups stay on track, the problem with the Conservation Collaboratives and how to keep the passion going. Support the show
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Jun 30, 2020
Medicine Bow Boondoggle | Adam Rissien & Connie Wilbert | Wild Earth Guardians & The Sierra Club | Ep. 035
In this episode, I speak with Adam Rissien of Wild Earth Guardians and Connie Wilbert of the Sierra Club about a massive Forest Service proposal to cut hundreds of thousands of acres of trees (including 80,000 acres in roadless areas!) in the Medicine Bow National forest in Wyoming called the LaVA Project. We talk about Adam and Connie’s organizations and backgrounds, the scale and scope of the LaVA project, its impacts, the harmful effects of road building on the ecosystem, lack of environmental analysis and oversight, similarities to the Four Forests Initiative in Arizona, rewriting the rules of the National Environmental Policy Act to allow for ambiguity, history of fires and logging on the Medicine Bow National Forest, how we should be managing our forests, the false promises of “Forest Heath” initiatives, climate change, forest resiliency and the Forest Service burying scientific information in support of their motives. Support the show
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Jun 14, 2020
Grizzly Bear Advocacy | Louisa Wilcox & David Mattson | Grizzly Times | Ep. 034
In this episode, I speak with David Mattson and Louisa Wilcox, grizzly bear and carnivore scientists and activists who live near Livingston, Montana. We talk about David and Louisa’s background, speaking truth to power in Greater Yellowstone concerning grizzly bear management, attempts to delist the grizzly bear, arguments for delisting, achieving viable population numbers, distrusting state management of endangered carnivores, hunting and conservation and as a business model, juxtaposing domination vs holistic world views towards natures, elk and deer population factors in grizzly country, shifting diets due to climate change, pepper spray vs firearms for countering grizzly attacks, preventing unnecessary grizzly deaths at the hands of hunters, all the positives of having carnivores on the landscape, native American relationships with grizzly bears, our responsibility towards bears, leaving wild things for future generation, the despair of the loss of wildness by Aldo Leopold and op…
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May 26, 2020
Wilderness, Inc. | Scott Silver | Wild Wilderness | Ep. 033
In this episode, we discuss Scott’s background, what Central Oregon was like back in the 1980s, being a gardener vs. letting nature take its course, the Oregon Malheur (Owyhee) Bill, about his organization, Wild Wilderness, Fee Demo (lifting the prohibition of charging user fees for outdoor recreation), the influence of the American Recreation Coalition and the RV Industries Association, the Wise Use Movement, The Blue Ribbon Coalition, the history of motorized recreation on public lands, commercialization and privatization of America’s public lands, promoting undeveloped recreation, the problem with industrial strength recreation, experiencing wilderness through transcendence, the dark side of Recreation.gov, Central Oregon Wilderness Reservation System, envisioning a dystopian future of tracking people in Wilderness and the death of the American environmental movement.
"Wilderness is a place, a path, and a portal through which those who are willing to throw off their encumbrance…
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May 7, 2020
A Conversation with George Nickas | George Nickas | Wilderness Watch | Ep. 032
In this episode, we discuss George’s background, the greatest current threats to wilderness, practicing restraint as humans, impacts of recreation on wildlife, the value of wilderness beyond human use and enjoyment, sacrificing our enjoyment as recreationalists for the benefit of wilderness, the lesson(s) of wilderness, changing our relationship to the planet, the similarities in the message of the Wilderness Act and climate activists today, recreational demand in the Gallatin Range, the GYE as a special place where we can still protect wilderness on a grand scale, all about the work of Wilderness Watch, the Three Sisters permit system in Central Oregon, noise pollution and its health consequences, noise issues in wilderness, the impacts of livestock grazing in wilderness, retiring grazing permits and climate change and its impacts on wilderness areas.
"Founded in 1989, Wilderness Watch is the leading national organization whose sole focus is the preservation and proper stewardship…
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Apr 21, 2020
Big Wild Adventures | Howie Wolke & Marilyn Olsen | Ep. 031
*“I’ve come to the conclusion that groups like The Wilderness Society are no longer apart of our movement. They’re doing something that is completely different. They have strayed so far from their visionary founders. The Wilderness Society, Montana Wilderness Association and the Greater Yellowstone Coalition… I don’t consider any of these groups to be apart of the Wilderness Conservation Movement any longer.”*
-Howie Wolke on Wilderness Podcast
In this episode, I interview Howie Wolke and Marilyn Olsen. Howie is a past two time president of Wilderness Watch and has been on and off the Board of Directors over the past twenty five years. He is also a recently retired wilderness backpacking guide. Marilyn is a retired nurse and also a retired long-time wilderness and backpacking guide. We talk about how they met, their Wilderness backpacking business (Big Wild Adventures which now has new owners), the cumulative impact of exposing people to Wilderness and wilderness values, t…
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Apr 2, 2020
Wilderness in Name Only | Katie Fite | WildLands Defense | Ep. 030
In this episode, I speak with Katie Fite, Director of Public Lands with WildLands Defense. We talk about the disastrous new Malheur/Owyhee Wilderness Bill proposed in Oregon and its failings (releases over one million acres of wilderness-suitable lands to multiple use!), the original Owyhee Bill in Idaho and eerie parallels, the livestock industry and their grip on public lands management decisions, the destructive nature of cows and livestock on fragile high desert and canyon ecosystems, the abysmal state of the Wilderness movement and the shortcomings of the organizations at the helm, the Federal Lands Management Policy Act, The Wilderness Idea and inspiring a wilderness ethic in land management across the board.
"The new Malheur Bill in Oregon, really elevates the power of ranchers in public lands management decisions and that’s a significant problem. What the land needs is fewer cows or no cows altogether. Everything gets overrun with cheatgrass and is degraded. It just becomes…
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Mar 21, 2020
Everyone Loves "The Bob" | Bill Hodge | Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation | Ep. 029
In this episode, I speak with Bill Hodge, the Executive Director with the Bob Marshall Wilderness Foundation in Montana. We talk about Bob Marshall the man, the history of the founding of The Wilderness Society, The Bob Marshall Wilderness Complex, Bill’s background, what he learned working on wilderness and trails issues in Tennessee for the Southern Appalachian Wilderness Stewards (SAWS), getting people connected with the Wilderness Idea, Montanan's attitudes towards Wilderness, Mountain Biking in Wilderness, Collaboration and Compromise and what his organization does.Support the show
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Mar 4, 2020
Early Adirondack History | Thomas Welch | Adirondoc | Ep. 028
In this episode, I speak with Thomas Welch, retired pediatrician, Adirondack guide and amateur historian about early Adirondack history. We begin with the first ascent and expedition up Mount Marcy (the tallest mountain in the Adirondacks) with geologist Ebenezer Emmons (Geologist), William Redfield (Meteorologist), John Torrey (Botanist) and their scientific pursuits. We then talk about Verplanck Colvin and his surveying expeditions which latest from 1872 to 1900 where he mapped and measured the entirety of the Adirondack Park. We also discuss Bob Marshall and his formative years on Saranac Lake and his time climbing and exploring the high peaks, inspired by Colvin’s surveys. Bob’s time in the Adirondacks inspired his essay “The Problem with Wilderness” and led to his deep appreciation of wilderness values and its importance to the human spirit. Thomas also tells the story of Vice President Teddy Roosevelt and his harrowing descent of Mt. Marcy after learning of the assassinat…
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Feb 20, 2020
Save the Wild Gallatins! | Joe Scalia & George Wuerthner | Gallatin Yellowstone Wilderness Alliance | Ep. 027
In this episode, I speak with Joe Scalia and George Wuerthner of the Gallatin Yellowstone Wilderness Alliance (GYWA) about their vision of protecting all 700,000 acres remaining roadless lands in the Custer Gallatin National Forest north of Yellowstone National Park in Montana. We discuss the history of the Gallatin Range, its ecological significance to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem, the wildlife that can be found there, increasing population pressure and threats from intensive recreational interests. We also discuss the Gallatin Forest Partnership, consisting of The Wilderness Society, Montana Wilderness Association and the Greater Yellowstone Coalition and the disheartening "wilderness lite" option that they are putting forward.
Please watch the new promotional film for the GYWA "Yellowstone Uncompromised"
https://youtu.be/TQrRwW5Twws
GYWA's website (updates coming soon) https://www.gallatinyellowstonewilderness.org/
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Feb 5, 2020
This Land: Cowboys, Capitalism & Corruption | Christopher Ketcham | Ep. 026
In this episode, I speak with Christopher Ketcham, author of This Land: How Cowboys, Capitalism and Corruption are Ruining the American West. We talk about his new book, the cowboy mythos, corruption in federal land management agencies, cattle ranching and grazing on public lands in The West. We also talk about the pending Owyhee wilderness bill (Malheur Community Empowerment for the Owyhee Act)in Oregon and the influence of the cattle industry on the process. We also discuss the failures of the conservation groups at the table. I had a great chat with Chris and I hope you enjoy the conversation. Thanks for listening. Support the show
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Jan 24, 2020
Nature First Photography | Erik Stensland & Scott Bacon | Nature First | Ep. 025
In this episode, I speak with photographers Erik Stensland and Scott Bacon with Nature First. Nature First advocates for responsible photography of our public lands and wild places through education and community. We discuss their background, the genesis of Nature First, their seven principles, photography ethics, cultural values towards nature, influencers and social media and steering public behavior. There has never been a more important time to be having these sorts of conversations. Our public lands are more important than any of us individually and I think when we can accept this truth, our collective actions will reflect this sentiment. Thanks for listening. Please visit www.naturefirst.org
Erik's Website: https://imagesofrmnp.com/
Scott's Website: https://www.scottbaconphotography.com/
Episode Page: https://www.wildernesspodcast.com/nature-firstSupport the show
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Jan 9, 2020
Teaching Wilderness | Liz Gottlieb | Bay Area Blended Consortium | Ep. 024
In this episode, I speak with Liz Gottlieb from Marin Academy and the Bay Area Blended Consortium about her new Wilderness Studies course for high school students. This is a unique offering for students to learn about wilderness ethics and history in the classroom and to immerse themselves in the backcountry to gain real world experience. We talk about Liz's background, teaching philosophy, her student's experiences and in-depth detail about her course. To learn more about the Bay Area Blended Consortium please visit https://www.blendedconsortium.org/Support the show
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Dec 17, 2019
Forever Wild | Shelby Perry | Northeast Wilderness Trust | Ep. 023
In this episode I speak with Shelby Perry, the Stewardship Director with the Northeast Wilderness Trust. We talk about the history and mission of the Northeast Wilderness Trust, where and how they operate, Shelby's career trajectory, how wilderness protection on private land serves as a conservation model in New England, landscape corridor ecology, importance of biodiversity and climate change considerations for wildlife habitat protection. To learn more about the Northeast Wilderness Trust please visit www.newildernesstrust.org
Please listen to this episode and subscribe to Wilderness Podcast using your favorite app to catch new releases. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/wilderness-podcast/id1453940239Support the show
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Nov 21, 2019
A Conversation with George Wuerthner | George Wuerthner | Public Lands Media | Ep. 022
"The Wilderness Society was formed because the founders felt that other conservation groups were compromising too much and giving up too much good wilderness. Bob Marshall said we want no stragglers, fence sitters and those whos first instinct is to compromise. The irony is that the Wilderness Society has become one of those organizations today. I just feel that Aldo Leopold and Olaus Murie would be rolling in their graves.” - George Wuerthner on Wilderness Podcast
In this episode I have a sit-down conversation with long-time wilderness and public lands advocate George Wuerthner. His articles appear in publications across the country. He has published thirty eight books on wild lands and relate issues. George is the owner of Public Lands Media, a non-profit that disseminates science in digestible form and advocates for best environmental practices on public lands such as fire, timber and predator management. George has been instrumental in wilderness campaigns across the country sin…
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Nov 7, 2019
Trouble in the Tongass Pt. 2 | Andrew Thoms | Sitka Conservation Society | Ep. 021
In part two of “Trouble in the Tongass” I speak with Andrew Thoms, Executive Director of the Sitka Conservation Society. We discuss all of the things that make the Tongass special, the local economy of Southeast Alaska, the Roadless Rule, the consequences of logging the remaining old growth forests and the threats to subsistence living.
The old growth forests of the Tongass sustain more than can be properly articulated and expressed in this short miniseries. Their value is priceless. As ecosystems collapse around the globe, we cannot afford to continue on our current path of destruction. The familiar forces of greed and shortsightedness are at work. The Tongass belongs to all of us, not the select few multi-national corporations that seek to capitalize on its lumber. Not to mention that rights that we have failed to properly extend to the plants and animals that which we share the Earth. The biota of the Tongass is world-renowned and worth saving on its own merit.
The Roadless Ru…
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Oct 23, 2019
Trouble in the Tongass Pt. 1 | Dan Cannon | SE Alaska Conservation Council | Ep. 020
In this episode, I speak with Dan Cannon, Tongass Forest Program Manager with the Southeast Alaska Conservation Council. We discuss proposed old growth logging, the Roadless Rule, the importance of the Tongass and some of the politics surrounding the issues. In the next episode, I will speak with Andrew Thoms, the Executive Director with the Sitka Conservation Society where we will go into greater detail on the resource and what logging would mean for the local economy.
Add this saga to the growing list of attacks on our public lands where local and national consensus is ignored and multi-national corporation's interests are being served. Never mind the harm and trauma to Native American tribes living in the region who depend on the land for their subsistence. Americans everywhere should be outraged. Extractor's wish lists are being given top priority.
Since interviewing Dan, the USDA has released their long awaited draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Tongass on October 15th…
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Oct 3, 2019
Wilderness Without Compromise in the Gallatin Range | Joe Scalia | Gallatin Yellowstone Wilderness Alliance | GYE 2019 | Ep. 019
For the final episode of my 2019 Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem miniseries, I interview Joe Scalia with the Gallatin Yellowstone Wilderness Alliance. Joe and his new organization have formed to provide an alternative voice for the Gallatin Range and surrounding wildlands in Montana.
They are advocating for the full 250,000 acres of roadless area in the Gallatin Mountain Range to be designated as federally protected wilderness (most closely aligned with alternative D in the recently revised Forest Service Management Plan) and are opposed to the Gallatin Forest Partnership and their compromise-based approach where they are working in conjunction with timber, mountain biking and snowmobiling interests. The Gallatin Forest Partnership is advocating for about 100,000 acres as recommended wilderness. In case you missed the last episode with Scott Brennan from The Wilderness Society (a member of the Gallatin Forest Partnership), I encourage you to have a listen to get a more complete picture.…
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Sep 22, 2019
The Future of the Gallatin Range | Scott Brennan | The Wilderness Society - Bozeman, MT | GYE 2019 | Ep. 018
In this episode, I interview Scott Brennan, director of the the Montana office of The Wilderness Society.
We discuss The Wilderness Society's compromise-based approach to new wilderness protection and the Blackfoot Clearwater Stewardship Act. We also zero in on the Gallatin Forest Partnership, a collaborative conservation plan for the Gallatin Range that stretches north from the flanks of Yellowstone National Park to the Bridger Mountains outside of Bozeman; this partnership is building coalitions among special interest groups including ranchers and mountain bikers. This is the first of two interviews about the future of the Gallatin Range, as many people and organizations seek to protect this ecosystem and have diverse opinions and approaches on what land protection should look like. Please stay tuned for my next episode for an alternative take, where I interview Joe Scalia with the newly formed Yellowstone Gallatin Conservation Alliance. This group is advocating for a no-compromise…
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Sep 13, 2019
Friends of Bridger-Teton | Sarah Walker | GYE 2019 | Ep. 017
In this episode, I interview Sarah Walker with Friends of Bridger-Teton National Forest. We discuss the increase in visitation numbers to Greater Yellowstone and surrounding National Forest Land including wilderness areas and what that means for land managers and conservation groups trying to protect wildlife and minimize human impacts. We discuss leave no trace ethics, the differences between primitive and dispersed camping, what you can do when visiting our public lands to be a better steward, the Continental Divide Trail, off highway vehicle use and more. Please visit www.btfriends.org to learn more about her organization and how you can support them and get involved. Support the show
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Aug 31, 2019
Jackson Hole Trout | Beverly Smith | Trout Unlimited | GYE 2019 | Ep. 016
In this episode, I have a conversation with Beverly Smith, Vice President of Volunteer Operations with Trout Unlimited (TU). We discuss the importance of the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem and its native trout species, how to best care for fish when catching them, working with volunteers around the country, the effects of climate change on trout and salmon populations, Cutthroat conservation on Yellowstone Lake, the work that TU does across the country and the conservation efforts done locally on behalf of Jackson area fish populations. For more information, please visit www.tu.org. Support the show
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Aug 18, 2019
Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem 2019 | Miniseries Introduction | Ep. 015
This is the introductory episode for a miniseries that I am putting together during my 2019 trip to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. I will be interviewing dedicated folks around the region who are working to protect this amazing resource through various conservation and preservation efforts. Please stay tuned for the first episode in the series which I will be releasing in about a week and a half. Support the show
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Aug 4, 2019
Action Alert! - Forest Service Ending Public Commenting | Mary O'Brien | Ep. 014
Under a new proposal, the United States Forest Service (USFS) is seeking to do away with 98% of the cases where the public would be able to comment and participate in project (timber harvesting, road building, etc.) scoping and design under the National Environmental Policy Act or NEPA.
NEPA is not well understood and something we often take for granted; but it is absolutely critical. It is the means by which the public and conservation groups provide input and oversight to our federal land managers. We must maintain a properly functioning NEPA so we are not kept in the dark and to ensure that Forest Service lands are being managed for the greatest public benefit.
In this episode, I speak with Mary O'Brien of the Grand Canyon Trust for clarity and context. *** Please make your voice heard! Head on over to www.ourforestsourvoice.org Deadline is August 12th. Tell the Forest Service that you value NEPA and it must not be compromised.***Support the show
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Jul 24, 2019
The Importance of Quiet | Matt Mikkelsen | Quiet Parks International | Ep. 013
Interview with Matt Mikkelsen of Quiet Parks International (QPI). We discuss the importance of quiet for both humans and animals, Gordon Hempton's work, One Square Inch of Silence, noise pollution in Olympic National Park from military fighter jets, the work that QPI is doing domestically and abroad and a little about Matt and his conservation-based film company Spruce Tone Films.https://www.wildernesspodcast.com/quiet-parks-internationalSupport the show
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Jul 11, 2019
The Received Wilderness Idea | J. Baird Callicott, Philosopher | Ep. 012
Interview with J. Baird Callicott, environmental philosopher. We discuss Baird's early years, the Civil Rights Movement in Memphis, the first Earth Day in Wisconsin, the Received Wilderness Idea, wilderness philosophy, thinkers of the Enlightenment, Aldo Leopold, grazing on public lands, societal shifts in public attitude about wilderness and global threats concerning climate change. https://www.wildernesspodcast.com/received-wilderness-ideaSupport the show
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Jun 23, 2019
Yosemite SAR, Public Safety GIS & Backcountry Preparedness | Paul Doherty | Ep. 011
Conversation with Paul Doherty with the National Alliance for Public Safety GIS. Paul and I chat about a wide range of topics related to his life and career from his time as a law enforcement ranger and search and rescue operator in Yosemite National Park, detecting illegal marijuana grows in Yosemite, public safety Geographic Information Systems (GIS), what it was like growing up in the Bronx, his graduate and undergraduate years and how to be best prepared when heading into the backcountry.Support the show
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Jun 10, 2019
Bears Ears National Monument Pt. 2 | Dan Hartinger | The Wilderness Society | Ep. 010
In this episode, I speak with Dan Hartinger of The Wilderness Society for the national perspective on Bears Ears National Monument. https://www.wildernesspodcast.com/bears-ears-national-monumentSupport the show
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May 28, 2019
Bears Ears National Monument Pt. 1 | Josh Ewing | Friends of Cedar Mesa | Ep. 009
Two-part series on Bears Ears National Monument. Interview with Josh Ewing of Friends of Cedar Mesa for the local perspective on Bears Ears National Monument. https://www.wildernesspodcast.com/bears-ears-national-monument-pt1Support the show
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May 15, 2019
Public Lands Hate You | @PublicLandsHateYou | Ep. 008
Interview with breakaway Instagram account @PublicLandsHateYou. We talk about his motivations and intent behind calling people out on social media for setting poor examples and the resulting societal and environmental consequences. http://bit.ly/PublicLandsHateYouSupport the show
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May 5, 2019
Adirondack Hamlets To Huts | Joe Dadey | Ep. 007
In this episode, I interview Joe Dadey, Executive Director with Adirondack Hamlets To Huts. We talk about their new hut system, a first in the Adirondack Park.Support the show
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Apr 25, 2019
Wilderness and the American Mind | Roderick Frazier Nash | Ep. 006
In this episode of Wilderness Podcast, I interview the "father of environmental history" writer and historian Roderick Frazier Nash. We discuss his life, the concept of wilderness, Bob Marshall, Aldo Leopold, Island Civilization and more. https://www.wildernesspodcast.com/wildernessandtheamericanmindSupport the show
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Apr 17, 2019
Central Cascades Wilderness Limited Entry | John Allen | Deschutes National Forest | Ep. 005
Interview with John Allen, Forest Supervisor with the Deschutes National Forest concerning the new Wilderness limited entry permitting system that will be going into place beginning in 2020. www.wildernesspodcast.comSupport the show
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Apr 5, 2019
Arizona Wilderness | Brian Stultz & Julie Polovitch | Arizona Wilderness Coalition | Ep. 004
In this episode of Wilderness Podcast, I interview Brian Stultz and Julie Polovitch with the Arizona Wilderness Coalition about Arizona Wilderness. https://www.wildernesspodcast.com/arizona-wilderness-coalitionSupport the show
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Mar 22, 2019
Wilderness Bill S.47 | Lydia Weiss | The Wilderness Society | Ep. 003
Interview with Lydia Weiss of the Wilderness Society on the new public lands package S.47Support the show
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Mar 13, 2019
Wilderness Through Art History | Alan Braddock | William and Mary | Ep. 002
In this episode of Wilderness Podcast, I interview Alan Braddock, professor of art history at William and Mary. We discuss wilderness as it relates to landscape painters, The American Conservation Movement, The Hudson River School of Art, wilderness values, ethics and more. Show Blog Post... https://www.wildernesspodcast.com/post/wilderness-podcast-episode-002-wilderness-history-through-art-interview-with-alan-braddockSupport the show
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Mar 6, 2019
A River Wild | Grant Werschkull | Smith River Alliance | Ep. 001
In this episode of Wilderness Podcast I interview Grant Werschkull, the Executive Director of the Smith River Alliance in Northern California. The Smith River is a magical place and a strong hold for many rare and endanger species. I learned a lot from Grant about what makes the river basin so special and some of the conservation work being done. https://www.wildernesspodcast.com/a-river-wildSupport the show
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